Music Festivals

There is nothing like the unique atmosphere of a music festival, and a growing number of festival goers are heading to the South East to experience their favourite bands and artists at some of the top music festivals in the UK.

Whether you're camping for the weekend or just going for the day, you will be spoilt for choice with a huge range of rock, dance and pop music on offer throughout the year.

Top Music Festivals in the South East

• 18th - 21st June 26, Isle of Wight Festival, Newport, Isle of Wight
• 12th - 16th August 26 , Boomtown, Matterley Estate, Near Winchester, 
• 28th - 30th August 26, Victorious Festival, Southsea Common, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 3AE
• 27th - 30th August 26, Reading Festival, Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ

Take a look at the event highlights below as we will guide you through the best music festivals 2025 in South East England.

Music Festivals Guide across South East England

Isle of Wight Festival, (18th - 21st June 26) returns in June 2026.  The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts - this year welcoming Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure as headlomers,

If you're looking for something spiritual then Oxfordshire's Wilderness Festival is taking place at the end of July (30th July - 2nd  August 2026) at Cornbury Park . Spread across four days the festival is ideal for nature lovers and not only does it have fantastic live music but offers contemporary arts, an array of theatre and craftsmanship. Headlining in 2026 is Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox and more!

Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival (28th - 30th August 2026) offers off site camping with a free shuttle bus to and from the site.  The Farlington campsite has different zooms including a family friendly area, with ties it the festivals large Kids arena - shortlist in the UK Festival Awards for Best Family Festival in 2015, 2016 & 2018.  Head along this year to see artists such as Richard Ashcroft and Kasabian. 

Arguably one of the most popular festivals in the UK is Berkshire's Reading Festival (27th - 30th August 2026). Taking place on August Bank holiday weekend, the three-day music event traditionally attracts some of the best rock bands in the world despite having more dance acts in recent years.  This year artists include Chase & Status, Dave, Charli XCX and many more!

If sleeping conditions are not for you then don’t worry as there are several festivals offering ‘Glamping’ which is a more comfortable way of experiencing a festival or if you're looking to stay nearby, check out our accommodation listings.

Music Festivals near me

Many of the mainstream festivals are well known and a must do, for any regular festival goer. However, there are a whole host of other smaller UK music festivals, concerts and events celebrating different styles and genre that are ideal for the general music lovers.  Here are some of our top pics from across the destination showcasing a mix of UK music including alternative rock, jazz, folk and classical.  You can find others on the events pages which you can explore by county.

• 12nd - 27th June 26, Southampton Summer Seasons, Guildhall Square, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 7DU
  A great lineup for this year's series of music sessions in the cultural quarter of Southampton including The Stranglers, McFly, UB40, The Human League and more!
• 3rd - 5th July 26, Music at the Crossroads, Hook Norton Brewery, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5NY
  Enjoy 19 hours of live music over 2 stages, beer tent, yummy food & camping at Hook Norton Brewery, Oxfordshire.
• 11th July 26, Leeds Castle Concert, Leeds Castle, Leeds Village, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
  This iconic event is a highlight of the summer season, set in the most spectacular location and natural amphitheatre in front of the beautiful Leeds Castle, said to be the loveliest castle in the world. 
• 11th July 26, Margate Country Music Festival, Margate, Kent, CT9 2HL
  The country festival comes to Margate with artists including the Buckle ‘n’ Boots, Nick Edwards & His Band and Gasoline & Matches.
• 17th - 19th July 26, Maid of Stone Festival, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7SU  
  Based in the beautiful Mote Park, Maid of Stone Festival is a small rock festival with a 5000 capacity that has outstanding facilities, all situated close together and is described by many of its fans as a 'rock family festival’ – safe and fun for all ages.
• 30th July - 3rd August 26, Wickham Festival, Wickham, Fareham, Hampshire, PO17 5HD
  Set on outskirts of historic Wickham village provide a picturesque setting for one of the safest and most relaxed festivals of the summer.
• 1st - 3rd August 2025, Margate Soul Festival, Margate, Kent
  Margate Soul Weekender is the ultimate celebration of world-class music, vibrant performances, and soulful connection.
• 15th - 17th August 2025, Rewind South, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 3DB
  Two day music festival on the banks of the River Thames, with multiple venues, silent disco and live sing alongs.
• 16th August 2025, Maidenhead Festival, Maidenhead, Berkshire,  SL6 7ED 
  The family-focused event will feature music, fairground, stalls and side shows
• 28th - 31st August 2025, Smugglers Festival, secret woodland location, Deal 
  Smugglers Festival is a gathering on the last weekend of summer each year, on a beautiful woodland in East-Kent. It’s a small, intimate festival, rooted in community from the outset.
• 11th - 13th September 2025, Mucky Weekender Festival, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 3BL
  It's going to be a wild weekend this September as Dub Pistols bring their diverse mix of iconic acts to the festival at Vicarage Farm in Winchester.